Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Aaron Nola

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aaron Nola made an impact.

Aaron Nola is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. As a prominent player in Major League Baseball, he has established himself as a key member of the Phillies' pitching rotation. Nola's career highlights include consistently demonstrating strong pitching skills, contributing to the team's performance, and achieving recognition as a respected player in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: First Phillies Pitcher Debut Since Pat Combs

In 2015, Aaron Nola became the first Phillies pitcher to make his major league debut the season after his draft since Pat Combs in 1989, marking a notable achievement.

2011: Drafted by Toronto Blue Jays

In 2011, Aaron Nola was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays but chose to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) instead.

2011: MLB Draft Selection

In 2011, both Aaron and Austin Nola were selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the MLB Draft. Aaron chose to attend LSU instead of signing.

2012: Freshman Season Record

In 2012, Aaron Nola finished his freshman season with a 7–4 record and a 3.61 ERA in 89+2⁄3 innings.

2012: Impressive Season with LSU

In 2012, Aaron Nola had an impressive second season with LSU, marked by his first career shutout complete game against Alabama and multiple complete-game victories. He was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year.

June 10, 2014: Signed with Phillies

On June 10, 2014, Aaron Nola signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for a $3.3 million signing bonus and was assigned to the Clearwater Threshers.

August 6, 2014: Double-A Debut

On August 6, 2014, Aaron Nola made his Double-A debut for the Reading Phillies against the Harrisburg Senators, pitching five innings in a 9-2 victory.

2014: Drafted by the Phillies

In 2014, the Phillies selected Aaron Nola seventh overall in the MLB Draft, marking a significant milestone in his career.

June 14, 2015: Promotion to Triple-A

On June 14, 2015, Aaron Nola was promoted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, marking further advancement in his professional career.

July 21, 2015: Major League Debut

On July 21, 2015, Aaron Nola made his major league debut for the Phillies, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to debut the season after being drafted since Pat Combs in 1989. He wore No. 27.

2015: Advanced Through Phillies' Farm System

In 2015, Aaron Nola advanced through the Phillies' farm system, quickly progressing in his professional baseball career.

April 2, 2016: Named to Opening Day Roster

On April 2, 2016, Aaron Nola was named to the Phillies' Opening Day roster, which was a career milestone. However, he later faced struggles and was placed on the disabled list due to an elbow strain.

2017: Phillies 25-man Roster

In 2017, Aaron Nola declared himself "100 percent" and was named to the Phillies' 25-man roster on April 2.

May 8, 2018: Career-High Strikeouts

On May 8, 2018, Aaron Nola struck out a career-high 12 batters in seven innings against the San Francisco Giants.

February 13, 2019: Contract Extension with Phillies

On February 13, 2019, Aaron Nola signed a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Phillies, including a $2 million signing bonus.

2020: Phillies Opening Day

In 2020, Aaron Nola made his third consecutive Opening Day start for the Phillies and pitched his first two complete games. The Phillies were eliminated from wild card contention.

April 18, 2021: First Complete Game Shutout

On April 18, 2021, Aaron Nola threw his first complete game shutout in the MLB, beating the St. Louis Cardinals 2–0.

October 3, 2022: Phillies' Playoff-Clinching Win

On October 3, 2022, Aaron Nola started the Phillies' playoff-clinching win over the Houston Astros, pitching a perfect game through 6+2⁄3 innings.

November 7, 2022: Phillies Exercise Club Option

On November 7, 2022, the Phillies exercised their $16 million club option on Aaron Nola for the 2023 season.

November 19, 2023: Signs Seven-Year Contract with Phillies

On November 19, 2023, Aaron Nola signed a seven-year, $172 million contract to return to the Phillies. The contract contained no opt-out provisions and a lower average annual value to avoid surpassing Major League Baseball's luxury tax apron.